We are 100% owned by our employees
Creating happiness for our people, customers and communities since 1986
We are the first FM company to be 100% owned by employees
This means that our people collectively own our business in a dedicated employee ownership trust
Held for the benefit of current and future personnel. It rewards our loyal members of staff and inspires others about our future as a people-led business.
Our focus is on long-term decision-making in line with our purpose and values. We are committed to investing in people, delivering sustainable solutions, and investing in innovations that improve services – all of which will be of great benefit to our customers, our communities and the planet.
Transitioning to 100% employee ownership is a proud and defining moment for Atlas
“It reflects our purpose of creating happiness for ourselves and others by giving every employee a real stake in our success. It strengthens our culture, drives innovation, and deepens our commitment to delivering exceptional service for our clients. We’re thrilled to be leading the way in our industry.”
Chris Wisely, Group CEO
You can read more about the Atlas Employee Ownership Trust
in our January 2025 announcement.
At Atlas, we have a clear and unique purpose
Creating happiness in ourselves and others
We approach work and life with a sense of fun, optimism and belief, and strive to have a positive impact on the world around us. We show kindness and compassion to all those we meet, ensuring everyone is safe and healthy. We deliver on our promises and go the extra mile every day.
Our values help us deliver the exceptional
Unlike other companies, our values are meaningful and practical. They speak to real-world behaviours and how we treat others. They are at the core of how we operate.
WE ARE FAMILY.
Just like any other family, we laugh, cry, celebrate and commiserate together. We may come from many different backgrounds, but we’re always there when it really matters. Whether it’s with practical help and support, or simply a mug of tea and a shoulder to cry on.
SHARING MAKES US STRONGER.
Knowledge is more powerful when it’s shared. Which is why we share everything – our ideas, our expertise, our news and most-of-all our time. Show humility. Be patient. When we share and work together, anything is possible.
OWN YOUR SPACE.
You are Atlas. Take responsibility and don’t be afraid to make decisions. Use your time wisely and treat every pound as if it was coming from your own pocket.
BE HONEST. ALWAYS
Have the courage to do the right thing, even when no-one is watching. Whether it’s owning up to a mistake, having a difficult conversation, or simply arguing a point you feel passionate about. Be yourself. Authenticity breeds trust. Trust brings happiness.
TREAT CLIENTS LIKE OUR BEST FRIENDS
Friends who you can be completely open and honest with, because they trust you to put their interests first. We take the time to listen to what’s going on in our clients lives and pull out all the stops to make them feel happy.
START WITH WOW
And never settle for less. Create time to focus on quality and prioritise long-term solutions over short-term fixes. Constantly seek opportunities to learn from others, and if something doesn’t make sense, shout. Always ask yourself if there is more we can do to bring happiness to those around us.
DON’T JUST TALK. DO
We are a business that thrives on doing. The more we do, the more we succeed. Embrace change. Keep it simple. Keep meetings short. Plan just enough to succeed. And then get on with it.
From our founding in 1986 to today
Meet the UK’s fastest-growing privately owned facilities management company. Since 1986 we have been committed to quality, reliability, and having fun in the process. It’s what makes us happy at work. Using this ethos, Atlas has built a reputation for creating happiness for our customers every single day.
Atlas is founded by Nick Earley and Ray Empson as a small but ambitious cleaning company.
1 of 13The young Atlas team is growing with the winning of important contracts in the Greater London area, from pristine offices to 5-star hotels.
2 of 13The end of the Millennium sees Atlas providing services to more than 100 clients across South East England and the Home Counties.
3 of 13Atlas opens services in North West England and parts of Wales, offering further services such as window cleaning, grounds maintenance and pest control.
4 of 13More than 850 people now work for Atlas.
5 of 13The number of clients grows to 400 with new offices in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
6 of 13We celebrate 25 years as a company with a huge party for our people.
7 of 13Atlas acquires Emprise, which doubles the business and expands the employee base to 4,500.
8 of 13A six-month deep dive into what makes the business special culminates in the articulation of seven meaningful values and a new purpose of ‘Creating happiness’.
9 of 13Atlas Security is launched and quickly wins new contracts.
10 of 13Several important companies join the Atlas group, including the award-winning facilities management and engineering maintenance business Salisbury.
11 of 13We win three national awards and expand our in-house ESG team to help transform communities and protect the environment.
12 of 13Atlas becomes 100% owned by our employees
13 of 13
Atlas is founded by Nick Earley and Ray Empson as a small but ambitious cleaning company.
1 of 13The young Atlas team is growing with the winning of important contracts in the Greater London area, from pristine offices to 5-star hotels.
2 of 13The end of the Millennium sees Atlas providing services to more than 100 clients across South East England and the Home Counties.
3 of 13Atlas opens services in North West England and parts of Wales, offering further services such as window cleaning, grounds maintenance and pest control.
4 of 13More than 850 people now work for Atlas.
5 of 13The number of clients grows to 400 with new offices in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
6 of 13We celebrate 25 years as a company with a huge party for our people.
7 of 13Atlas acquires Emprise, which doubles the business and expands the employee base to 4,500.
8 of 13A six-month deep dive into what makes the business special culminates in the articulation of seven meaningful values and a new purpose of ‘Creating happiness’.
9 of 13Atlas Security is launched and quickly wins new contracts.
10 of 13Several important companies join the Atlas group, including the award-winning facilities management and engineering maintenance business Salisbury.
11 of 13We win three national awards and expand our in-house ESG team to help transform communities and protect the environment.
12 of 13Atlas becomes 100% owned by our employees
13 of 13